Scott officials praised for snow removal reminders

Published Feb 15, 2013 at 9:45 am
(Updated Feb 15, 2013 at 9:45 am)

Public officials typically hear from their constituents when there is a problem.

But Scott Township resident Debbie Taylor was at the Scott commissioners’ Feb. 12 agenda meeting to thank the board for sending out a letter regarding maintenance of the common alley behind Greenbriar Drive.

Taylor said that she had lived on Greenbriar for 23 years, and the alley is her only means of getting to her house and her garage. Taylor told the board that during past snow events, there were times that she couldn’t get through to her driveway. Since the letter went out, Taylor said she’s seen an improvement in the number of people who are maintaining their portion of the alley.

“There’s been an improvement,” said Taylor. “It’s not 100 percent, but I’m grateful.”

Scott’s code enforcement officer, Robert Fischer, sent out a letter on Jan. 9 to Greenbriar Drive residents, reminding them that the “International Property Maintenance Code which Scott Township has adopted requires that property owners maintain their driveways.”

In his letter, Fischer cited Section 302.3 – Sidewalks, driveways and roadways, which states: “All Sidewalks, Walkways, Stairs, Driveways, Roadways, Parking Spaces and similar areas shall be kept in proper state of repairs, and maintained free from hazardous condition” and Ordinance 614, which “requires that property owners need to remove the snow and ice from the area within 24 hours of a snow fall.”

Fischer told the board that he had sent out more than 30 violation letters.

Those in violation could receive a fine ranging from $100-$1,000 per day, along with having the township come in and remove the snow and bill the property owner a minimum of $150 or greater per occurrence. If the property owner does not pay both the fines or cost for removal of the snow, liens can be placed on the property.

In other business, the board discussed the possibility of creating a park in East Carnegie, using the area that will be created when two condemned houses are torn down. Commissioner David Jason said the land, located across the street from the East Carnegie Volunteer Fire Department, would “be a nice area to put a green space.”